Bill > SB476

This bill, titled the "Selecting Neutral Accreditors Act," aims to reform the accreditation process for West Virginia's public institutions of higher education by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates. The bill begins by outlining legislative findings that criticize DEI initiatives as lacking academic rigor, being costly, and potentially increasing bias, citing examples of DEI criteria influencing hiring and tenure decisions, and its integration into coursework. It defines key terms such as "accreditation" (official recognition of an educational institution's quality), "accrediting agency" (an entity that grants accreditation), "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (defined as differential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity), "diversity, equity, and inclusion practice or procedure" (any policy or initiative related to DEI), and "institution of higher education" (a public postsecondary educational institution in West Virginia). The core provisions require each institution's governing body, in coordination with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, to review their accrediting agencies by July 1, 2026, and switch to an agency that has not used DEI practices in the past five years. If no such agency exists, the institution must report this to the legislature and continue to seek a qualifying accreditor. This review and selection process must also be undertaken before any new accreditation or renewal. The bill also establishes a presumption that an accrediting agency has used DEI practices if it fails to fully respond to information requests, and grants the Attorney General enforcement powers to ensure compliance.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=476&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill